IES carries out research to understand, monitor and anticipate the complex interactions between human activity and the natural environment, in order to support the development and implementation of policies that protect the global environment and ensure that strategic resources (water, land, forests, food, minerals) are managed in a more sustainable manner for the benefit of present and future generations.

Mission

As the Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre's mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new methods, tools and standards, and sharing its know-how with the Member States, the scientific community and international partners.